Capacity Building Grants

The Capacity Building Grant offered through the Twin Cities Fund by the Best Buy Foundation provides strategic support to nonprofit organizations operating within the Twin Cities seven-county metro area. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's core philanthropic priorities: Teens and Technology, Career Pathways, and Arts and Culture. Funding is specifically directed toward projects that bolster nonprofit organizational capacity and enhance programmatic effectiveness, and is reserved for current nonprofit partners who have received Best Buy Foundation support in the past three years, excluding those who have previously been awarded capacity or capital grants. This one-time funding opportunity supports a range of organizational needs, including strategic and succession planning, training for staff, board, or volunteers, acquisition of relevant technology and equipment for database systems and cybersecurity, as well as development and expansion of programs. Eligible expenditures also encompass development and fundraising planning, financial system upgrades, and necessary staffing or consultant expenses related to these areas. Organizations are not expected to purchase equipment from Best Buy, and should not indicate intended purchase sources in the application. Eligibility for this grant is limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofits or tax-exempt public charities with a valid IRS Tax ID, based in and serving the Twin Cities metro area, and willing to host site visits from Best Buy Foundation personnel. Ineligible applicants include organizations involved in re-granting, those seeking only supplies, and entities such as political, religious, or civic groups, among others. Requests must not exceed $99,999 and projects must exclusively serve the Twin Cities seven-county metro community. The application process includes an eligibility quiz, followed by a Letter of Intent (LOI), and then a full application by invitation. LOIs are accepted from May 1, 2025, to May 30, 2025, and full applications from July 1, 2025, to August 1, 2025. Grants will be determined by October 31, 2025, with funding distributed within approximately 60 days post-approval. Applications must be submitted online via the new Submittable portal. Evaluation criteria for LOIs include the relevance of the project, community reach, and urgency of need. Full applications are assessed based on goal alignment, impact evaluation, contingency planning, and financial and leadership strength, including the degree of proximate leadership. Required documents include organizational and project budgets, and a list of additional funders. Optional but encouraged submissions include audited financial statements and strategic plans. For assistance or inquiries, applicants can contact the Best Buy Foundation at [email protected]. An impact report will be required one year after funding, addressing use of funds, outcomes, and community impact.